and cunning, science and skill are all-conquering. He will brush you away,
Sanford Quest, like a fly. Wait a few weeks."

"You interest me," Quest murmured. "Tell me some more about this great
master?"

"I shall tell you nothing," Macdougal replied. "You will hear nothing, you
will know nothing. Suddenly you will find yourself opposed. You will
struggle--and then the end. It is certain."

They led him away. Only Lenora remained, sobbing. Quest went up to her,
laid his hand upon her shoulder.

"You've had a rough time, Lenora," he said, with strange gentleness.
"Perhaps the brighter days are coming."

[Illustration: LORD ASHLEIGH ACCUSES LENORA OF BEING IMPLICATED IN THE
CRIME, BUT QUEST DECIDES TO THE CONTRARY.]

[Illustration: IAN MACDOUGAL IS GIVEN A LIFE SENTENCE FOR THE MURDER OF
THE DAUGHTER OF LORD ASHLEIGH.]




CHAPTER III

THE HIDDEN HANDS